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Time of India
2 days ago
- Science
- Time of India
Which country has the largest snake population
Snakes are known for slithering through forests, deserts, wetlands, and even urban areas. Spotting them sends chills down the spine, and I, as a matter of fact, freeze for a moment. Forget this scary part, as it's also a well-known fact that these misunderstood reptiles has a vital role in our ecosystems. They are responsible for controlling populations of rodents and other pests, and play both the parts of predators and prey; they even contribute to seed dispersal. As regarding statistics, there are around 3,900 snake species recorded globally (according to the Reptile Database). When the term "highest snake population" is referred to, it's often interpreted as the country that houses the most snake species. According to the World Population Review, Mexico tops the list for having the most snake species in the world, with 438 types, closely followed by Brazil. Read more: Planning a short trip during the Independence Day weekend: 5 destinations to avoid strictly From arid deserts in the north to lush rainforests in the south, Mexico's diverse geography provides them a healthy habitat — both venomous and non-venomous. Some notable Mexican snakes include: Mexican west coast rattlesnake (Crotalus basiliscus) – It's one of the largest rattlesnake species in the world. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like You Won't Believe the Price of These Dubai Apartments Binghatti Developers FZE Get Offer Undo Consider yourself luck if you don't meet any in this lifetime. Tropical vine snake (Oxybelis fulgidus) – It's a slender, tree-dwelling species that possesses excellent camouflaging technique. Mexican burrowing python (Loxocemus bicolor) – It's a rare and primitive snake found in moist lowlands. Coral snakes (Micrurus spp.) – brightly colored and highly venomous, found in several Mexican states. These species are found across Mexico's 32 states, from coastal mangroves and highland pine forests to desert canyons and volcanic plateaus. Reasons behind Mexico having so many snake species? Well there is not one reason behind this. Several factors contribute to this, some of which are: Mexico is classified as a megadiverse country, meaning it is one of the few nations that harbour the majority of Earth's species. The country spans across a wide range of ecosystems — including tropical rainforests, dry deserts, mountain cloud forests, and coastal zones — all of which support distinct snake populations. Mexico's warm climate makes it a haven for cold-blooded reptiles like snakes. The mix of heat and humidity across many regions creates ideal habitats for both tree-dwelling (arboreal) and ground-dwelling (terrestrial) species. This country has a healthy population of frogs, rodents, birds, and lizards, all common snake prey, which helps sustain Mexico's snake population. In some rural regions, snakes play an important role in controlling pests in agriculture. How does Mexico compare to other countries? Here are the top five countries with the most documented snake species (source: The Reptile Database): Mexico 438 Brazil 420 Indonesia 376 India 305 Colombia 301 Brazil Brazil comes in the second position, which is often mistaken as the top contender. Its rich Amazon rainforest and Pantanal wetlands host iconic species like green anacondas, boa constrictors, and pit vipers. While Brazil may have more dense forest snakes, Mexico surpasses it in total species count. Indonesia As a massive island archipelago, Indonesia supports diverse tropical species including the reticulated python and king cobra. Many islands have endemic snake species found nowhere else on Earth. India India hosts more than 300 snake species, including the notorious 'Big Four' — the Indian cobra, common krait, Russell's viper, and saw-scaled viper — which are responsible for the majority of snakebite deaths in the country. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), India records some of the highest snakebite fatalities in the world. Read more: 8 types of elephants found around the world and what makes them unique Are snakes a threat? Despite widespread fear, the majority of snake species are non-venomous and harmless to humans. Even venomous snakes play a critical role in keeping ecosystems balanced by controlling rodent and pest populations. In Mexico, snakes are protected under various regional conservation laws, although habitat loss and illegal collection for the exotic pet trade remain concerns. How are snake populations measured? Unlike mammals or birds, snakes are elusive and hard to count in the wild. Herpetologists use tools such as: Field surveys and biodiversity inventories Species distribution maps Reports from local communities Snakebite data (inferred human-snake interaction) While the exact number of individual snakes in a country is difficult to calculate, species diversity is a more reliable measure — and here, Mexico leads the pack. Snake awareness and coexistence As cities expand and natural habitats shrink, encounters between humans and snakes are becoming increasingly common, particularly in countries like India and Mexico, where many rural communities border snake-rich environments. There are many NGOs in various countries that work toward raising awareness about snake conservation and safe practices during encounters. In rural areas, education about snake identification and first aid can help reduce unnecessary killings and fatalities.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Climate
- Time of India
Marathwada drenched as rain lashes all 8 districts
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: Incessant rainfall across Marathwada on Saturday brought about the much-needed relief to kharif crops. However, it has also triggered alerts of possible water discharge from major dams in all eight districts in the region. Increasing inflow of water in Godavari river caused Jayakwadi dam to reach 80.76% of its storage capacity with authorities warning that further inflow might necessitate the release of water into the riverbed. People have been urged to stay away from the river and livestock away too. In Parbhani, water flooded culverts, prompting the closure of Ziro Phata to Purna road in the Purna taluka. The Nizamapur–Bamani road in Ardhapur taluka was also shut due to water overflowing a local stream. Several areas have not seen sunlight for the past two days. In Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district heavy showers were recorded. Seasonal waterfall over the Ellora caves was flowing with full force. District authorities initiated crop damage assessment in revenue circles hit by heavy rain last week. Many houses in these areas were flooded, damaging household belongings. Divisional commissioner Jitendra Pahpalwar has directed collector Raghunath Gawde to provide compensation under NDRF and SDRF norms. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like You Won't Believe the Price of These Dubai Apartments Binghatti Developers FZE Get Offer Undo The long-awaited rain rapidly increased water storage in reservoirs in and around Nanded district. Vishnupuri dam was 93.27% full. Heavy rainfall was also reported in Himayatnagar, Jawalgaon, Sarsam, and Wai revenue circles. On Friday, the region received 10.6mm of rain, which increased to 25.7mm by 8am on Saturday. This season, Mukhed (190.6 mm) and Degloor (196.1 mm) are the only talukas with less than 200mm rainfall. Kinwat recorded the highest rainfall at 497mm. Authorities are planning to fill Antehswar and Digras medium projects located upstream of Vishnupuri. Downstream, gates at Amdura and Babhli barrages have been kept open. If the inflow continues overnight, one of Vishnupuri's gates may be opened, Ankulewar added.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
So it was not diabetes but the common diabetes pill which was causing heart disease! Shocking research reveals the unbelievable!
For many living with type 2 diabetes, managing blood sugar is a daily reality. Often, medications come as a lifeline, and among them, sulfonylureas like glipizide are popular choices, especially in the US. They've been around for decades, are affordable, and have shown effective results in keeping glucose in check. But now, a new study has cast a shadow over this commonly used medicine. Researchers have discovered a possible link between glipizide and increased heart-related risks. Here's what the study found, what it truly means, and why this matters to families where diabetes is part of everyday conversations. Glipizide: Familiar, trusted, But now under scrutiny Glipizide belongs to a group of drugs called sulfonylureas. For decades, these medications have been trusted for lowering blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes, often when metformin alone isn't enough. What made glipizide popular was its affordability and long-standing availability. But popularity doesn't always mean perfection. The latest study signals a possible red flag. Involving nearly 48,000 individuals, this research found that those taking glipizide had a higher risk of heart attacks, strokes, heart failure hospitalisations, and even cardiovascular-related deaths than those taking a newer class of drugs called DPP-4 inhibitors. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like You Won't Believe the Price of These Dubai Apartments Binghatti Developers FZE Get Offer Undo The numbers that raised eyebrows The research compared glipizide with other sulfonylureas like glimepiride and glyburide, along with DPP-4 inhibitors. Here's what stood out: Over a 5-year period, the risk of major heart events was 9.1% in those taking glipizide, while for those on DPP-4 inhibitors, it was 8.1%. The risk ratio for glipizide users was 1.13, indicating a 13% higher risk of cardiovascular events compared to DPP-4 inhibitor users. The risk was also slightly higher with glimepiride (8.6%) and glyburide (8.4%), but not statistically significant. What makes this important is that most participants were on their second diabetes medication after metformin, a common scenario in diabetes care. And they weren't at extremely high cardiac risk to begin with, just moderate, everyday individuals managing a chronic condition. Not just about the numbers, but about what they mean It's easy to be alarmed by statistics. But what do these numbers truly tell us? Firstly, the study doesn't claim that glipizide causes heart problems directly. What it suggests is a possible association, a pattern that raises concerns, especially in people already facing moderate cardiovascular risk. The heart, after all, is already under pressure in type 2 diabetes. When a drug meant to help with sugar control potentially adds to that risk, even slightly, it becomes a serious discussion for healthcare providers. Why affordability might come at a cost Sulfonylureas like glipizide are often the go-to option in low- and middle-income settings because they're inexpensive. DPP-4 inhibitors, on the other hand, are costlier but have a more favourable cardiovascular safety profile. This raises a deeper, more sensitive question: should treatment decisions depend on cost or safety? The answer isn't straightforward. But studies like this push for better informed decisions, where doctors weigh more than just sugar levels, they also look at heart health, overall risk, and long-term quality of life. What this means for families dealing with diabetes This isn't about pushing panic buttons. Glipizide is still an approved and effective drug. But the study offers important insights for personalised diabetes management. It's a reminder that medications work differently for different people, and what works well for one might not be ideal for another, especially when silent risks like cardiovascular strain are involved. It's also a cue to revisit older medications with a fresh lens, especially when newer, safer options are available. The story here isn't about fear, but about awareness and agency. (Inputs from agencies)
Time of India
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Actress Hyeri's incredible journey: From contest contestant to K-Pop star
The Power Look That Stole the Show Korean actress Hyeri recently turned heads with her stunning all-black ensemble that transformed any ordinary venue into her personal runway. She nailed the minimalist-chic vibe by pairing a sleeveless tube-top style upper with wide black pants, creating a confident and effortlessly cool look that screams sophistication. Her slicked-back ponytail and sharp heels added that extra edge to her silhouette, while simple jewelry following her neckline provided just the right amount of subtle glamour. Every step she took seemed to flow with an almost liquid grace, perfectly embodying what we'd call "Hyeri's signature chic". The way she carried herself in black was refreshingly light and breezy, giving off those urban vibes that fashion enthusiasts absolutely love - think of how our Bollywood stars rock monochrome looks at airport spotting! This kind of effortless styling has become increasingly popular among young professionals who want to look put-together without trying too hard. The all-black aesthetic is particularly appealing because it's versatile enough for both casual outings and semi-formal events - perfect for the multi-tasking lifestyle of today's youth. The Contest That Changed Everything Here's where Hyeri's story gets really interesting - and honestly, quite relatable for anyone who's ever stumbled into their destiny by accident. Back in the day, Hyeri participated in the 'May Queen' contest organized by a major acting academy called MTM. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like You Won't Believe the Price of These Dubai Apartments Binghatti Developers FZE Get Offer Undo This wasn't just any regular competition - it was a proper talent hunt with camera tests, dancing, and singing, offering substantial prize money that would be worth around ₹2-3 lakhs in today's currency. What started as a quest for prize money turned into something much bigger. At this academy, Hyeri befriended someone who later became her ticket to stardom. When her friend mentioned that an entertainment company was looking for new members, Hyeri tagged along just to make up the numbers - you know, like when you accompany your friend to an interview for moral support, except this time it was a Girl's Day audition! The beauty of this story lies in its authenticity. Unlike many manufactured celebrity origin stories, Hyeri's journey began with genuine financial motivation and friendship loyalty. Many young people today can relate to entering competitions for the prize money, especially when you're trying to make ends meet or support your dreams. The Face That Launched a Career Now here's the part that'll make you laugh and maybe feel a tiny bit envious. During the audition, Hyeri did her usual routine - danced a bit, sang a bit - but none of that really mattered. The agency CEO later revealed the real reason he picked her_ "Out of all the people I've met in my life, your face is the smallest". Can you imagine? While most of us are out here contouring our faces to look slimmer, Hyeri just naturally had what K-pop agencies consider the golden standard. It's giving major "effortlessly beautiful" energy that we see in our own stars like Alia Bhatt or Ananya Panday - that natural, camera-ready look that doesn't need much enhancement. This revelation also highlights the unique beauty standards in the Korean entertainment industry, where a small face is considered highly desirable because it photographs well and creates better proportions on camera. It's fascinating how different cultures have varying ideals of beauty - while some regions value fuller faces as signs of health and prosperity, Korean pop culture has made the "small face" a coveted feature. From Accidental Audition to Stardom What makes Hyeri's story so endearing is how unplanned it all was. She literally went to "fill up the headcount" and ended up joining an already-debuted group. This would be like casually showing up to support a friend at a singing reality show audition and ending up in the next season of a major talent hunt! Her journey from a contest participant looking for prize money to becoming one of Korea's most beloved actresses through "Reply 1988" is the kind of plot twist that could happen in a K-drama itself. It's that beautiful reminder that sometimes the best opportunities come when you're just being a good friend and showing up for people you care about. The transition from Girl's Day member to acclaimed actress wasn't immediate either. Hyeri had to prove herself in a completely different field, moving from the highly choreographed world of K-pop to the nuanced realm of acting. Her breakout role in "Reply 1988" showcased her natural acting ability and relatable charm, earning her recognition far beyond her idol career. This story resonates deeply with youth culture where family connections, friend networks, and those "I know someone who knows someone" moments often lead to unexpected opportunities. Just like how our film industry has countless stories of people who came to drop off a friend and ended up getting discovered themselves! It's a reminder that success often comes from the most unexpected places, and sometimes the journey is more important than the destination you originally planned.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Anupamaa: Anupamaa confronts Shahs and Kotharis, reliving painful past
In the episode of Anupamaa, the host invited Rahi and her team to take the stage. Seeing this, Hasmuk and Leela quietly left, leaving Anupama shocked and unsettled. Backstage, Bharti told Preet that Anupama had always avoided conversations about her past, but it was now confronting her directly. Preet expressed concern, doubting whether Anupama had the strength to perform. Bharti instructed Preet to rejoin the team while she went to look for Anupama. Elsewhere, Khyati expressed her frustration about coming to Mumbai. She lashed out at Rahi, blaming her for their encounter with Anupama and for exposing a side of her they had not wanted to face. Rahi confronted Prem, asking whether he had known about Anupama's presence all along. Parag and Vasundhara also questioned Prem, demanding an honest answer. Rahi felt betrayed by Prem's silence. Prem admitted that he had been aware of Anupama's participation but had not known that she had reached the semi-finals. Rahi, however, refused to believe him and declared her hatred for Anupama. Prem attempted to explain but failed to persuade her. Anupama, overwhelmed with emotion, walked away and broke down in front of Hasmuk, struggling to compose herself. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like You Won't Believe the Price of These Dubai Apartments Binghatti Developers FZE Get Offer Undo Meanwhile, Parag accused Prem of betrayal for staying in contact with Anupama. A heated argument erupted between Rahi and Prem. Rahi accused him of disloyalty for hiding his meetings with Anupama, while Prem retorted that Rahi's grudge against Anupama showed that she, too, lacked loyalty. Leela, Vasundhara, and Parag turned against Anupama, blaming her for Aryan's death. When Prem defended Anupama, Khyati slapped him and angrily held Anupama responsible for the tragedy. Prem admitted with regret that he should not have hidden the truth. The rift between Rahi and Prem deepened further. Backstage, Anupama told Hasmuk and Bharti that she was not ready to perform, saying she could not dance in front of someone who despised her. Bharti and Hasmuk tried to console her, urging her to rise above the negativity. Anupama revealed that she had not known Rahi would be competing with her and feared making matters worse. Meanwhile, Preet became anxious, worried that Anupama might withdraw. Anita, Deepa, and Rita grew impatient waiting for her. Rita asked Preet if she knew where Anupama had gone. Preet feared that Anupama might have left altogether.
